That City Girl

Randomness.

2012-01-26T23:59:00.000-05:00

central park views at twilight.

Thought I'd post a pic of NYC, like the old days. And maybe make a list of randomness, also like the old days. Here we go!

~little man has continued to improve on his new dairy/soy-free diet. hooray! sometimes there are still super difficult/fussy days, though. such is life, right?

~this new diet has forced me to cook more (like, every night. goodbye take-out!) and get creative with recipes. it's been a really, really good thing for us. tonight i made a peanut/coconut thai-like chicken dish. yummmm. almost as good as our favorite nyc thai take-out!

~a friend recently watched miles for us so we could go to the movies, something i daydream about often these days. we saw this. it was ah-mazing. and then i got the stomach flu later that night. not so amazing. taking care of a little one while sick is the worst.

~today miles got one of his vaccinations (we split them up since last time he had such a bad reaction w/ getting them all at once) and he didn't make a peep. no crying. no screaming. not one peep! crazy! such a brave little man.

~i miss reading books. trying to get through this now (written by a friend of a friend) on my new nook (i got a nook!). and this, for sleep training purposes. has been impossible to make headway on either.

~it's rainy here in NYC. feels like it's been raining a lot lately. hard to get motivated to schlep outside when the weather stinks.

~i am feeling grateful for my friends these days. and grateful that we live in NYC again. b/c man, it's isolating enough being a new mama, i can't imagine not being in a city that i love and not being close to the people that i love. grateful.

~have i plugged dan's new company on here? i haven't?? well here you go -- gively.com -- so proud of him.

the end and goodnight.

4 months!

2012-01-20T23:30:00.000-05:00

So I am a little late with these photos this month...but look who's 4 months (as of 1/1/12 -- okay, so I am very late with this posting)! This was a big month for our little munchkin. Lots of milestones, like: rolling from his belly to his back, grabbing at things, laughing(!), and even helping to turn the pages of his bedtime story (well, he tries. sometimes the pages end up in his mouth). It really is quite amazing how quickly they change and grow.

Our big appointment with the gastroenterologist last week went so well, and we are finally (finally!) feeling hopeful over here that Miles' issues could be resolved! The doctor thinks he has a severe allergy to all dairy and soy. Since I still breastfeed, I actually eliminated dairy from my diet back in November in hopes to help with Miles' sensitive tummy and the copious amounts of spit-up we were dealing with, but I only cut out the obvious ones: milk, cheese and ice cream. Apparently any and all traces of cow's milk can affect some babies, and about half of the babies with a dairy allergy also have a soy allergy. So I am now on a super-strict diet, including all by-products and hidden ingredients. The results so far have been AMAZING. He's like a different baby! The baby he used to be, before all of this got so out of control back in November -- chill, happy, calm. My baby is back! I'm so happy. (okay, so we're still not sleeping, but that will come in time, I have hope!).

So much to say...

2012-01-05T22:24:00.004-05:00

So little time!

Still not sleeping (ack)...waiting with bated breath for next week's GI appointment for Miles in hopes that it will resolve his tummy/spit-up/sleeping issues...just trying to keep my head above water 'til then (and nap whenever possible!). Whew. I have lots of things I say, but seriously...no time! So for now, enjoy some photos from our Christmas Day twilight stroll through Central Park. :)

On the 1st Day of Christmas...

2011-12-25T23:16:00.000-05:00

Macy's Believe

We made it -- 12 Days of Christmas (in New York)! Hope you've each had a beautiful day. I thought it would be appropriate to end our journey with 'Believe' in lights, which is scrawled on the side of the Macy's building this Christmas season. It was a somewhat tough day with Miles, and maybe not quite what we envisioned for our first Christmas together, so I need a little Belief (capital B, in lights) tonight, I think! Belief that it *will* get better/easier...that Miles will start sleeping longer and better (please oh please, for his sake (he's so overtired, it's painful to watch) and ours)...that his little tummy/reflux issues will be resolved so the happy, cheerful baby that he wants to be (that we catch glimpses of between those rough patches) will be able to emerge more often! I do believe. Merry Christmas.

On the 2nd Day of Christmas...

2011-12-24T23:40:00.001-05:00

Rockefeller Tree

Merry Christmas Eve! Apologies for another Rockefeller photo, BUT...we've just arrived back in the city from our week away in D.C., and I'm too pooped to upload the new Christmas photos onto my computer at the moment. PLUS, the Rockefeller Tree is such a symbol of Christmas magic in New York, so I figured you might not mind :)

It is good to be back home. Miles did great overall on his first trip out of the city, although I think he reached his limit of new places and faces after a week of newness and change -- he was screaming by the time we got home! :( Poor guy. We are planning on having a quiet day together tomorrow, just the three of us. My first Christmas in the city. I have to say, it was pretty neat driving up twinkly Broadway towards our home tonight, while Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas played on the radio. Life feels so good and full and hard and different and magical (all mixed together) this Christmas season. The song and setting seemed to capture it perfectly tonight.

On the 3rd Day of Christmas...

2011-12-23T23:23:00.003-05:00

Rockefeller Ice Skating Rink

Rockefeller Center is beautiful this year with the alternating gold and silver flags surrounding the rink. It was also insanely packed and busy the other night, even at 11:00 pm on a random Thursday. I guess that's to be expected -- it is an extraordinarily magical place this time of year. (and ps - I can't look at the gold Prometheus statue without thinking of 30 Rock now.)

On the 4th Day of Christmas...

2011-12-22T23:43:00.000-05:00

Central Park South

Three days to go!

On the 5th Day of Christmas...

2011-12-21T23:02:00.000-05:00

Columbus Circle Holiday Market

It's always so exciting to see the familiar red and white striped tents begin to pop up around the city at Christmas time. This year, Miles and I took a spin around the Bryant Park Holiday Market back in November (he mostly slept through it :), and then I was also able to quickly check out the Columbus Circle and Union Square markets recently. Dan and I were looking for a unique gift for Miles' first Christmas, and I found these lovely prints at a the Union Square market. The one I picked is of a little boy flying high above the Chrysler Building -- we plan to hang it in his room :)

On the 6th Day of Christmas...

2011-12-20T23:39:00.001-05:00

Christmas trees for sale on Amsterdam

Whenever I see a Christmas tree stand on the sidewalks of New York, I think of that scene in When Harry Met Sally when Sally drags the tree up a hill by herself. It's also the first sign that Christmas has arrived in the city and makes me oh-so-happy. We picked up a lovely tree for our little family this year from a tree stand on Broadway --->

And remember our tree from two years ago? (I still miss that apartment. Ohhh, the fireplace) --->

On the 7th Day of Christmas...

2011-12-19T21:57:00.000-05:00

the stars of Columbus Circle

Love the Columbus Circle mall this time of year with all of the colorful stars of light hanging dramatically in the entrance. And look -- they change colors! Pretty...

On the 8th Day of Christmas...

2011-12-18T12:52:00.000-05:00

UNICEF Snowflake, Fifth Avenue

Can't have a 12 Days of Christmas (in New York) countdown without including the UNICEF Snowflake that hangs over Fifth Avenue at 57th Street. This handcrafted crystal ornament weighs over 3,000 lbs (whoa) and is a symbol of the world's most vulnerable children. It's twin (the original snowflake) hangs above Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills. Dan and I included it on our Christmas Walk last week and stood under it posing and snapping away like tourists.

On the 9th Day of Christmas...

2011-12-17T12:20:00.000-05:00

The Pulitzer Fountain, Fifth Avenue

There'a a lovely display of twinkly Christmas lights on the Pulitzer Fountain here at the corner of Central Park South and Fifth Avenue, but even without those lights, this nook of New York always seems to sparkle. I love this spot in the city. There's The Plaza right there, the Apple Store, the Paris Theater...ohhh, the Paris Theater...how I wish I had time these days to see a film at the Paris Theater! (remember my artist's date to the Paris Theater 3 years ago?!) I should have asked for that for Christmas...a few hours off from mommy duty to go sit in a quiet theater and eat junior mints and popcorn....mmmm. Anyway, this spot is the perfect place to start off a Christmas in the City Walk...from here you can walk down twinkly Fifth and head straight for Rockefeller Center.

On the 10th Day of Christmas...

2011-12-16T13:12:00.002-05:00

giant red ornaments on sixth avenue...why not?

This lovely display can be found right across the street from Radio City Music Hall on Sixth Avenue. So cheerful and fun to stumble upon.

We are leaving soon for our Christmas visit with the fam but I will keep the Christmas-in-New York magic rolling! (I've stocked up on photos :)

On the 11th Day of Christmas...

2011-12-15T13:57:00.003-05:00

'Tis the season for fancy window displays, of which there are plenty along Fifth Avenue. Be sure to check out Bergdorf's display. Stunning and whimsical. (wouldn't it be the best job EVER to be a window dresser, especially around Christmastime?? How lovely to create a tiny, magical world inside of a box that whisks people away from the sidewalk on which they stand.)

On the 12th Day of Christmas...

2011-12-14T13:04:00.000-05:00

Here we are...the start of our 12 days of Christmas (in New York) countdown! I thought we'd kick things off with Radio City Music Hall, home of the Rockettes and the *most* spectacular Christmas Spectacular Show (which I've seen twice now -- totally worth seeing). Dan and I spotted it on our Christmas walk the other night. A friend babysat for Miles while we went on a hunt for all things twinkly and magical (Fifth Avenue, the holiday markets, Rockefeller, etc.). Radio City fit the bill. And here are it's twinkly innards (taken last month at the aforementioned spectacular show):

Radio City Music Hall

{2009 12 Days of Christmas in New York project}

Weekend recap (and the 12 Days of Christmas (in New York) countdown).

2011-12-12T23:29:00.000-05:00

Columbia's campus, twinkle lights galore

It was a lovely, albeit sleepless, New York kind of weekend. There was a fun baby class with Miles and friends, an Elf watching party, Christmas celebration #1 with my dad (3 more to go!), a Christmas cocktail party with friends, some art-making, and the holiday market at Columbus Circle. It was busy, but full of lots of friends and twinkly New York magic. Unfortunately, Dan and I are utterly exhausted after another stretch of rough, sleepless nights with Miles. He just seems to really struggle with falling and staying asleep lately. It's like he can't shut his little eyes despite the fact that he's sooo sleepy, and once he tips over that edge, missing the window of sleep, he just gets overtired and then it's all over -- we know it will be a stormy, restless night for all of us. It's a vicious cycle. I have a book that was highly recommended to us that I've just started reading...hoping it will shed some light on the situation.

In other news, Christmas is only 13 DAYS AWAY, people! (don't know how that happened). So you know what that means, right? :) It's time for my 12 Days of Christmas (in New York) countdown! Hooray! I am a little nervous to commit myself to this project since I don't get out as much these days -- plus we'll be out of town for part of it -- but maybe it will help me to remember to soak up the New York Christmas magic, despite my bleary-eyed, sleep-deprived state. So stay tuned!

Miles lounging on Grandpa during our Christmas festivities

3 months!

2011-12-07T18:32:00.001-05:00

It's that time again! Time to release a barrage of cute baby photos upon you. Here we go....Miles' three month photos!

Impossible to just choose one. These photos best capture his little personality, I think, which is really starting to come out more.

Notice the blur in this last photo? This demonstrates his usual state these days when he's not sleeping (ok, and sometimes while sleeping, too) -- manically kicking his legs and flailing his arms. It's his favorite. He also loves smiling (my favorite), trying to sing with his mama (I sing, he says "gaaaa" over and over :), lying on the bed in just his diaper, the Beatles (I swear, it's true!) and sleeping.*

We've had some bumps along the way, for sure...some I've shared, some I haven't (acid reflux, dairy allergy, weight issues, major discomfort and fussiness...to name a few), but there have been big improvements lately and we are starting to see a much happier baby overall. There are still extremely hard and exhausting days, of course, but his smiles and laughs and waving arms make those hard days a little easier and so worth it.

*Sometimes, unfortunately, he also loves *not* sleeping.

{one month photos}

{two month photos}

An overdue post about Thanksgiving (and other randomness).

2011-12-01T23:07:00.001-05:00

Riverside Park

I really have been meaning to get on here for a week now to post about our Thanksgiving in NYC...but...exhaustion has overtaken me. These days I am lucky if I manage to shower much less compose eloquent blog posts (or emails, or etsy orders (which are starting to roll in for the holiday season) or cleaning or working, etc.). In addition to Miles' multiple awakenings throughout the night now (growth spurt??), my tired body has decided to give up on the idea of sleep all together, it seems. The last few nights I've had a horribly frustrating case of insomnia in between all of his feedings. Ugh...

Anyway, Thanksgiving! This year was my first first Thanksgiving in the city and I am so glad we decided to stay put. We hosted Dan's mom and a good friend and shared a lovely meal together (mostly made by Dan's mom). Miles wasn't quite sure what to make of our feast. He'll stick to milk, thankyouverymuch:

Staying in the city also gave us the opportunity to do something I've always wanted to do: go to the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade Balloon Inflation! It happens in our 'hood on the eve of Thanksgiving, and so despite the rainy, chilly weather, we decided to bundle Miles up and take him out for a real New York experience.

A very cool experience that I would highly recommend :)

P.S. new prints for sale in my etsy shop! (the original pieces were featured in the Art + Music show in Boston that I talked about here and here). More prints to come soon!

More Central Park (Fall) Magic.

2011-11-20T23:48:00.003-05:00

A collection of more magical Central Park photos taken on my iphone. Here are some of my favorites from this past week. Sigh...what a dreamy place.

aaaand my favorite--->

And in other news, Miles has decided that he doesn't like to sleep anymore. At least not at night. (I still do, very much). Whew. We've had some really rough nights the last few weeks and I am tiiiiired.

Broadway baby.

2011-11-16T23:16:00.002-05:00

Miles' first trip to Times Square!

He had about the same reaction that I usually do:

whoa

...

followed by

utter exhaustion.

My thoughts exactly :)

Fall is here!

2011-11-09T22:57:00.001-05:00

Falls colors are finally starting to show up here in NYC. Here's the proof (according to my iphone and my favorite place...wait for it...Central Park :)

I'm pretty sure Miles likes Central Park just as much as I do. Yup.

Two months!

2011-11-06T22:49:00.002-05:00

Look who turned 2 months on the 1st! He was much easier to photograph with his little scottie dog this time around (hooray for neck support!). He's getting so big. And sooo cute. Which is why I couldn't pick just one photo to share :)

he discovered the dog's ear and decided to take a bite.

{one month photos}

Halloween in the City.

2011-11-03T00:28:00.000-04:00

There is something about Halloween that makes me so happy. Not sure why, but it's always just held really happy, Fall-filled memories for me. I love the crispness, the festiveness, the fun it all. I can remember running around my Northern Virginia neighborhood with friends on clear, chilly nights when I was a kid, the smell of chimney smoke in the air. And now as an adult, I still love it and am always trying to convince Dan to dress up with me :) (one year I got him to wear a 70's fro...it was awesome).

As I mentioned before, Halloween in New York is pretty fantastic. In past years, I headed to the big parade in the Village, which is craziness. This year we decided to stay closer to home and take a stroll down w. 95th by Central Park West, which is one of those quintessential, tree-lined/brownstone-lined streets in Manhattan (we looked at renting a cute apartment in one of those dreamy brownstones on w. 95th, but being on a top floor with no elevator was a deal breaker for us with the baby). We heard that every year they block off the street for trick-or-treating and it turns into one giant party, so we decided to check it out.

These pictures don't do the setting/vibe justice...it really was quite a scene. Houses decked out, parents in costume, kids in costume, fog machines, Michael Jackson music blaring from a window, dancing in the street. It was so much fun!

(this picture is kind of spooky with this ghostly figure running towards me)

Miles zonked out and missed the whole thing, but Dan and I thoroughly enjoyed ourselves :)

Halloween greetings from NYC.

2011-10-31T23:10:00.000-04:00

pumpkin trail in Greenwich Village

Love Halloween in this city...they know how to do it right! More pictures to come later from our fun walk around the Upper West Side tonight. In the meantime...

and:

our tired skeleton baby

More Central Park Magic.

2011-10-25T23:25:00.001-04:00

Photos from our twilight-walk through Central Park the other evening.

And later that weekend:

Floating pumpkins! A Halloween festival in Central Park North...

I do love the Halloween season...especially in New York :)

Twilight in Central Park.

2011-10-24T00:43:00.001-04:00

an evening stroll through CP

This weekend we had family in town and together we took the most amazing late afternoon/early evening walk through Central Park. It was all twilight-y and perfectly magical as we made our way through winding, wooded paths. Sigh. I love that place (and feel so proud to show it off when visitors come to town :) This is just a teaser pic -- I was a little camera happy since it was so beautiful, so more to come later...!

A family stroll.

2011-10-19T00:28:00.000-04:00

(love this pic -- you can just barely see Miles' tiny head poking up :)

Having a newborn is definitely limiting in some ways, but Dan and I try to get out for walks and meals out with Miles as much as possible. It helps us feel 'normal' and still connected to our city and the world.

Last weekend we decided to take a stroll down Broadway towards Lincoln Center. It's the farthest I've ventured out since giving birth (soreness/tiredness prevented such long walks before) and it was so dreamy to walk through sparkly Lincoln Center again with Miles in tow.

my boys

So excited about the beautiful Fall weather we've been having lately and looking forward to more family strolls in magical New York :)

Date Night.

2011-10-12T23:28:00.001-04:00

Cafe Lalo

Last week when Dan's mom was here, she volunteered to stay with Miles while we stepped out for a quick date night. We decided to stay close to home and do dessert in our neighborhood at the always magical Cafe Lalo (a place of recognition for all you You've Got Mail fans out there!). It was so lovely to trade in the spit-up stained t-shirt and yoga pants for normal, 'going out' clothes and step out on the town for some quality time together.

I've only ever done brunch or coffee there so this was my first cake experience with Lalo and Oh. My. Goodness. The german chocolate cake was ridiculous. SO GOOD.

A trip to the hospital (x2).

2011-10-09T01:52:00.000-04:00

a visit from Miles at the hospital

As I mentioned last week, we had a stretch of pretty bad luck there for awhile, medically speaking. All is okay now and we've managed to stay out of the hospital for nearly two weeks now (yessss!).

Our first trip to the ER was late one Tuesday night after Miles started spitting up blood (a lot of blood) which was absolutely terrifying. So we did what any first-time, panic stricken parents would do -- we called 911 and headed to the hospital where I had just delivered 3 weeks before. Turns out he had ingested the blood from me after a rough breastfeeding session (that kid has a pretty serious latch), and his little tummy had simply rejected it, giving us the scare of our lives. I couldn't believe a small crack produced so much blood but apparently it's quite common and they found him to be in perfect health after examining him (thank you Lord).

The second trip to the ER came just 3 days later after I developed severe abdominal pain (like, worse than labor kind of pain). I am not at all the type to just head to the ER at the first sign of pain (more the grin and bear it type), but since it was after hours, and my doctor recommended I go if it got worse, we decided to take trip number two back to New York Presbyterian Hospital. I could barely walk from the pain but refused to call an ambulance again -- don't want to earn ourselves a reputation in the building of those crazy people who call ambulances every other day :) Thankfully (providentially), a friend had stopped by when all of this started, so she stayed with Miles while Dan and I headed to the hospital. And thank goodness -- the ER was awful that night (no place for a baby).

The pain only intensified once I got there and by the time I was finally seen, I was in more pain than I've ever been in before. They decided it was most likely postpartum related, so after lots of pain meds and numerous tests (and about 16 hours spent on a bed in the middle of the hallway of the ER), I was finally admitted to my own room on the postpartum floor. It was quiet and clean and had this killer view:

view of the east river

I spent a total of five days there while they tried to figure out what was wrong with me. Blood work indicated I was definitely fighting an infection of some kind, but the real culprit of the pain was a mystery. Uterine infection, ruptured cyst, passed kidney stone were all theories that were discussed, and some signs of each popped up in the tests they ran, but nothing was conclusive or obvious according to the doctors (who seemed just as frustrated as I was to not be able to conclusively identify the source of such intense pain). In the end, the pain got much better while on antibiotics, and so I was given the green light to go home. It was awful to be away from Miles for that long -- Dan would bring him to see me in the evenings, which was the highlight of my day, but I was sooo glad to finally be heading home.

So thankful to have all of that behind us now. We feel like it really stretched us as first-time parents and our ability to handle stress -- sleepless nights and a fussy baby? No problem! As long as we can stay out of the ER, we're good to go :) Here's hoping for a drama-free (hospital-free) month of October!

P.S.

2011-10-02T00:29:00.001-04:00

from the reservoir, central park

And in non-baby related news, one of my favorite New York blogs has an amazing guide to New York up right now. If you live in/love New York like I do, or are planning a visit sometime soon, be sure to check it out. Makes me loooong for New York, which I realize sounds ridiculous since I live here, but it's been awhile since I've been able to really get out like a normal human being. So looking forward to throwing on a cute outfit (non-maternity, please) and going out on the town again!

One month!

2011-10-01T23:52:00.001-04:00

Can't believe it's been a month already! My plan is to do a photo shoot with Miles each month with the scottie dog stuffed animal to track his growth. But he wasn't really into it :) Some more shots from our "session":

(ha, it looks like the dog is chasing him:)

And another favorite from today:

I'll be back later with stories from our "exciting" week (and by exciting I mean awful and traumatic). Two trips to the hospital: one for Miles, one for me. We're all okay -- but not fun.

Still here.

2011-09-22T23:07:00.001-04:00

cutest feet ever

A quick note to say: I'm still here! I keep thinking how nice it would be to jump on the blog and post pictures of Miles, or type out a post about motherhood and the first weeks of this crazy roller coaster ride...but time is the strangest thing these days. It literally slips through my fingers -- every day -- and I am not sure how morning to night happens so quickly! This teeny tiny person consumes most moments of my day leaving little to no time for things like blogging, emailing people back, showering, eating, etc. But I'll try to get on here more often, promise.

And p.s.: Miles is 3 weeks old today!!

Two Years.

2011-09-12T15:48:00.000-04:00

September 12, 2009

Two years! Can't think of a better way to celebrate than this...

He's here!

2011-09-11T21:15:00.000-04:00

I'd like to happily introduce you to our son (we have a SON! whoa), Miles Daniel, born September 1st, 2011 at 8:38pm in the evening, 7lbs 10oz. Oh and he is definitely the cutest baby I've ever seen :)

It's been a crazy, beautiful, emotional week (hence not getting on here earlier with the news) and we are learning/loving/living our way through this whole thing. I've spent a lot of time over the last week just staring at him in amazement. He really is amazing (and to think he still wouldn't be here until for another week!). More later...

It's time.

2011-08-31T16:36:00.001-04:00

One last city photo to post before we head to the hospital for the Life Changing Event! I don't have a whole lot to say as my mind is pretty much a pile of mush right now between all the things we still need to do and the nerves/excitement.

Until next time....!

The weekend (in photos).

2011-08-29T23:42:00.002-04:00

Rooftop bar on Friday night w/ friends (look at that view!) -- one last late night hurrah before baby comes...

...and deserted streets before hurricane Irene's arrival (she didn't really do much of anything up in our 'hood (see last photo below))

the extent of "damage" to our car (thank goodness!)

And the latest baby news is that I am going to be induced on THURSDAY, Sept. 1. That is THREE days away, people! Actually, we head to the hospital on Wednesday night where I'll be monitored overnight and then Thursday morning is GO time! I am a ball of nerves and excitement and whoa. Lots of WHOA. Just can't wrap my brain around all of this! Will try to jump on here one more time before the big event.

Baby update.

2011-08-24T19:55:00.001-04:00

my growing boy! (36 weeks)

As I mentioned in my last post, it looks like this little guy will be here *very* soon....as in (probably) next week (!!) (original due date was September 19th). This is all due to some complications that arose a couple of weeks ago, and so doctors are talking about inducing me at 37 weeks. Eek.

It's been quite the emotional roller coaster around these parts lately. Besides the fact that this turn of events has been worrisome and scary, we're also still getting settled into our new home and aren't exactly feeling prepared for this life-changing event to happen quite so soon!

Here's the sort of/semi-short version of the story: only a few days after my first doctor's appointment here, I started developing strange symptoms (incredibly itchy hands and feet) which I then googled, leading me to find out about a condition called cholestasis that typically occurs later in pregnancy -- strange, but seemingly non-alarming symptoms that are actually a sign of something going on in the mother's liver that can be dangerous for the baby. I seriously didn't think I had this, but called my doctor anyway just to be safe. They had me come in for tests and a day later called to say I did in fact have cholestasis, which was pretty shocking to hear. I'm now on medication and getting weekly non-stress tests to make sure the baby is doing alright (he's been doing great!) and the doctors have assured me that everything is under control and will be just fine. The tricky thing about this condition is that things can change very quickly and become more risky towards the end, especially beyond 39 weeks, which is why they typically induce between 37-38 weeks. So as much as I hate the idea of going in before we (me and baby) are ready, it's what needs to happen for his safety and health.

I'm trying hard not to stress about everything and to really trust God through all of this (some days that's easier to do than others). I am so thankful for my competent and caring doctors and that this was caught early -- and also thankful that, despite this turn of events, baby is doing great and is more active than ever. And one positive to all of this is that we get to meet him SO soon! (okay, so that kind of excites me and terrifies me all at once!)

I would so appreciate your prayers for his safety and for a smooth and safe delivery. I also wanted to share this story in case there are any other preggers out there who might be feeling itchy (with no rash -- that's the indicator!): call your doctor! Or if anything pops up that seems unusual/questionable...make the call no matter how silly it seems. I really wrestled with calling with such a 'minor' thing, especially since I was new to the practice and didn't want to be seen as their new, high-maintenance patient. But that's what they're there for, so it really is worth it to have peace of mind and a safe/healthy pregnancy and baby.

I'll hopefully know more about everything (induction date, etc.) later this week and will keep you posted. Thanks for listening (reading) :)

Date Night.

2011-08-19T23:03:00.000-04:00

views from highline park;

restaurant in the meatpacking district

Oh how I've missed date nights in NYC! Date nights in Boston didn't feel nearly as magical for some reason (sorry, Boston). Tonight we enjoyed a stroll along High Line Park (just like the old days!) before a ginormous storm swept through, causing us to quickly take cover in a nearby restaurant. Luckily that restaurant was perfectly magical and cozy, complete with twinkle lights and a convenient retractable roof to keep us nice and dry (while still feeling like we were dining outdoors).

We are trying to get as many date nights in as possible before the baby comes...which is looking like will happen sooner rather than later! There's a whole long update to fill you in on with that, but (cliffhanger) I don't think I have it in me to relay the whole story tonight. So more on that later! In the meantime, have a lovely weekend.

An afternoon stroll (as captured by my iphone).

2011-08-12T23:38:00.000-04:00

uws and riverside park

A whole week has passed by! Sorry for the silence, my friends. I've been laying low after a tiring week of traveling and an annoying summer cold (boo) and some bumps and stresses along the way. But today I broke free and took a walk over to Riverside Park. The weather was ridiculously perfect and it was so lovely to just sit on a bench and watch the boats go by. Have I mentioned how much I love being back in New York? :)

Happy Weekend-ing.

2011-08-05T13:37:00.000-04:00

Chrysler Building

It's been a busy week but the New York moments continue to be magical (as evidenced above :) Can't believe the weekend is upon us already! Today we're heading south for a weekend of family and baby shower fun. Have a good one & see you back here next week...

A week of New York (in iphone photos).

2011-08-02T23:21:00.001-04:00

manhattan views from brooklyn, uws, evening sky, and the queensboro bridge

One week in and I am already so inspired by this city that I can't help but constantly snap photos with my phone. It feels good to be inspired again :) Other highlights of the past week include: more family visits, friend drop-ins (the best), Brooklyn, park strolls and an amazing first doctor's appointment that has completely put my worried mind at ease about switching care/hospitals at 7+ months pregnant. A pretty good first week overall!

It's good to be back.

2011-07-29T13:36:00.000-04:00

downtown Manhattan/Brooklyn Bridge

It's been a whirlwind week but we're here! We made it! Family was in town through yesterday helping us get settled and unpacked (thanks, family!) and things are really starting to take shape around here. We are loving our new place and really loving being back "home" in our city.

The other night we made a trip to Ikea in Brooklyn (not the smartest idea for my pregnant body after a long and tiring day -- that place is HUGE and exhausting!). On our way back we stopped in Brooklyn Heights for dinner and a quick stroll to the Promenade....sigh....those views! This city! Makes my heart melt every time. It's really good to be back :)

Farewell, Boston...

2011-07-23T01:30:00.001-04:00

The Charles River

So much that I wanted to say in my final weeks here in Boston, but too little time/too much busyness prevented it, I guess. And now here we are....our final weekend before loading up and heading out on Monday morning!

It's been a grand adventure, a fun year of living a "new" life and exploring something different....exactly what Dan and I had always talked about ever since meeting/dating/marrying....our desire to live a life outside the box, a life full of adventure. There were some hard times, for sure, but I think it is safe to say that this past year fits that bill of adventure and fullness pretty well! And I am incredibly thankful for our time here.

Now onto the next adventure! (will try to post from NY once we are settled, whenever that might be :)

Hot. So hot.

2011-07-21T23:13:00.001-04:00

walking to Harvard Square

I know it was hot everywhere today, but man alive! With the built-in heater I'm carrying around 24-7 PLUS 100 degree temps PLUS the crazy humidity....I didn't think I was going to make it! (even strangers were concerned as they spotted my big belly making it's way down sun-scorched sidewalks, urging me to "stay cool!" and "get inside!"). Luckily my time outside today was limited, and for every twenty steps I took I drank about 20 ounces of icy water (which helps), but still....it was bad. Very bad. Tomorrow is supposed to be even worse. Oh Lord, how am I going to make it through this summer?!

Boxes galore.

2011-07-19T23:01:00.005-04:00

hello boxes

It's official. We're really moving! I mean, of course I've known that, but wow. The reality of it all is has really set in. Living in a fortress of boxes will do that, I guess. (ps: didn't we just do this?!). We had an amazingly productive weekend of packing thanks to Dan and a dear friend who came all the way from New York to help out (a million thanks, my friend!!). I really don't know what we would have done without her because these days I am no longer capable of of lifting, carrying, bending, etc. (big belly + low blood pressure issues + doctor's orders). So yeah....slightly limiting. Thankfully we will also have (parental) support on the other end to help us get everything in order. I will be so happy to finally be back and settled and ready for Baby in New York!

Things I'll miss...

2011-07-15T16:21:00.006-04:00

Even though I am so happy about heading back to New York, there are definitely things I will miss about Cambridge.
Little things, like seeing this church on my way home each evening:

...which also houses a ballet theater and has this beautiful statue (that makes me want to dance) out front.

The weather has been so dreamy lately (this city really is so beautiful in the summertime) and I am realizing how quickly this chapter is coming to a close....that I won't be walking these Cambridge streets for much longer. Feeling a tad nostalgic these days about it all.

(but then I think of last winter, and reconsider :)

A trip to the North Shore.

2011-07-11T23:20:00.000-04:00

the North Shore of Massachusetts, taken w/ instagram app

Last weekend we actually had a car again so Dan and I went on a little adventure (we had to rent one since ours died :( remember this post? about the flood? yeah, I never followed up on here b/c the ending was just too sad. our little car didn't make it. luckily insurance took care of the cost, but that doesn't make up for the inconvenience and sadness of it all. sigh). Anyhoo....we rented a car on Sunday to go look at possible replacement cars, and on a whim decided to go for a ride up the coast.

I'd been itching to do something a little different and explore a new pocket of New England, and so we decided to visit some of the little towns up in the North Shore that we hadn't been to before (we'd only seen Gloucester and Rockport last Fall). It was perfect weather for such an adventure.

As we drove along the coast, popping out to take pictures and breathe in the salty sea air, it seemed like all the craziness and anxiety surrounding us during this transition just vanished. What is it about the sea? The sound, the smell....I just love it.

We eventually ended up in the little town of Manchester-by-the-Sea where we parked ourselves on a bench in the sunshine with ice cream cones. A very simple, but beautiful afternoon trip. (Also fell in love with the little village of Magnolia, MA).

Some news!

2011-07-07T23:28:00.001-04:00

Boston skyline on the 4th of July

Well, I think it's time to finally (officially) spill the beans on here. We are saying farewell to Boston in a few weeks and moving back to NEW YORK!! It's a loooong story, but I will attempt to share the cliffs notes version here now :)

We really had no idea what would happen post-Harvard -- whether we would move or stay and where would be going if we did move. And I honestly had no idea if New York would ever enter the picture again. Dan had been working on developing a new business venture during his time here that got a lot of traction throughout the year, but it was an up and down roller coaster ride not knowing whether they would receive funding or get the idea off the ground. In the meantime, he was applying for jobs all up and down the East Coast as back-up.

Then we got the best news last month -- a group of investors decided to invest in Dan and his team and their idea! Amazing! They've been up and running ever since -- so exciting and I am SO PROUD of him.

Although there will be a team based up here in Boston, they needed a team to get things rolling in New York for a number of business reasons, and so we decided to move back (a no brainer, really -- we love New York (obviously!), not to mention it's much closer to family and friends and with a little one on the way, the last thing we wanted was to be isolated and far away from everyone).

Sooooo, it's back to the Big Apple for us! So so excited. It was pretty much a nightmare trying to find an apartment (but we finally did! UWS!!) and there have been so many details and glitches and hang-ups along the way that I was nervous to even say the words out loud let alone in writing. But now it appears that everything is in place (at least, we think so!) and we are scheduled to leave at the end of the month!

Not really looking forward to moving at 7 months pregnant. Or finding a new doctor and hospital (anyone have any recommendations? seriously? :). BUT...am SO looking forward to being back in a community of people who know and love us. And being back in a city that makes my heart sing....!

And there you have it...our big news! The next few weeks should be interesting with all the packing that needs to be done (and I move like a snail these days) and all the Boston/New England fun we'd like to experience before heading out. We'll have to see what we can do -- and I will try to capture some of that on here as we go!

Snapshots from the 4th.

2011-07-05T23:51:00.001-04:00

Hope you had a wonderful long weekend! We had a lovely 4th here in steamy Boston, spent with friends over a leisurely (air-conditioned!) dinner in Beacon Hill, followed by fireworks on the Charles River, which we watched from the Longfellow Bridge. I was pretty pooped after the heat and all the walking/standing, but it was definitely worth it to be out and about on such fun, buzzy night in Boston.

The ever-growing baby bump.

2011-06-30T23:15:00.000-04:00

28 weeks!

Thought I'd post my latest belly explosion! Here I am at 28 weeks. Apologies for the strange orange color -- as charming as our apartment is with all of it's brightly painted walls, it doesn't make for the greatest photo backdrops/lighting!

I am officially in the third trimester now (according to my doctor, that is -- I didn't even know I had reached such a milestone!). I definitely have more aches and pains these days, and getting out of chairs as become quite the challenge with all that extra weight in front (like a little bowling ball!) and the lower back pain. BUT...aside from that, I am feeling pretty good! This little guy likes to move and wiggle and kick constantly, and Dan and I love staring at my belly at night, waiting for a big kick or (what we think is) a tiny foot poke out. Fascinating!

Past belly shots here: 25 weeks, 21 weeks, 18 weeks.

June.

2011-06-27T23:34:00.000-04:00

Cambridge is pretty in June

Can't believe June has come and (almost) gone. And you know what else is hard to believe?? It's been about one year exactly since we moved here! Wow...that just dawned on me this week. Last year at this time we were going through a huge transition, embarking on a completely new and unknown journey. And here we are, one year later, about to do the same thing again! Baby, of course, and...well, more....but I can't share quite yet! (such a tease, I know). I just don't want to speak too soon -- would love for things to be a tad more solidified before spilling the beans. And on that note....off to bed!

(more later :)

City baby.

2011-06-24T00:49:00.001-04:00

Dwell Studio Skyline bedding

I've been trying to get my act together lately and finally register for some baby stuff (which is incredibly overwhelming but also incredibly addicting. Once I get started on reading reviews, looking at nursery decor, etc., it's hard to stop!). Today I came across this Skyline crib bedding by Dwell Studio (love their stuff). Wouldn't this be great for a city baby's room? Cute without being too cutesy. Love it. Through Amazon I discovered the whole line: blankets, bibs, washcloths...the works! And I want it all! :)

Blue Waters.

2011-06-20T23:31:00.000-04:00

I just downloaded more photos off of my camera tonight from our trip to Florida and my goodness, look at that water. So blue! Couldn't resist sharing a few more on here :)

Blue Like Jazz

2011-06-15T13:07:00.000-04:00

As I've mentioned before, the book Blue Like Jazz by Donald Miller is pretty significant to Dan and I and the story of our meeting. So we were excited to hear about the fact that it was being made into a film! A little confused/intrigued as to how exactly it would translate to the big screen, but excited nonetheless. It's a project that's been in the works for a long time now, and is finally scheduled for release this Fall.

It will be a pretty hectic week so I may be quiet over here....more juicy tidbits and life updates coming soon, though!

Midnight in Paris.

2011-06-13T23:33:00.002-04:00

We had a lovely weekend -- the perfect balance of busyness and rest, fun and productivity (including things like a long leisurely dinner with friends and a headshot photo shoot for a friend - fun!). But I think the highlight for me was seeing this film, Woody Allen's Midnight in Paris.

It could have so easily crossed the line into cheesy-ness, but it didn't! So well done and interesting and magical, but without overdoing the magic, ya know? Sigh...made me want to go to Paris so bad. I was there a long time ago with a friend, right out of college, and it really is one of the most magical, romantic places in the world. We were silly 22 year olds who thought/hoped marriage was just around the corner (not exactly!) and talked and dreamed about going back one day with our husbands.

Well, 11 years later, I am so ready to go back with Dan (with baby in tow), especially after seeing this flick! We'll strap our little boy into his baby bjorn and walk the Seine hand in hand, one little happy family. Hey, why not? :)

Vacation Snapshots.

2011-06-09T23:15:00.000-04:00

A few fun snapshots from our vacation last week (yep, I've discovered instagram :). It was a pretty dreamy five days. We worried it might be too hot down in Florida this time of year, but the ocean breezes were so strong and cool that it really wasn't bad at all.

We spent two nights in Miami and three nights in the Keys. Both places were special in their own ways. And the water...oh that clear, turquoise water! Made me feel like we were somewhere way more exotic than Florida (which is pretty much what we were after).

Most of the time we sat by the pool or the ocean sipping smoothies made with fresh fruit while reading our books, but there were other fun things, too...like a boat ride! And snorkeling! I just love being on/near the water. It soothes my soul.

Reality.

2011-06-07T23:08:00.001-04:00

a little taste of heaven ~ Florida Keys

We are back from a lovely few days in the Florida Keys celebrating our baby and graduation and all that good stuff.

Unfortunately, we walked back into a whole big pile of Bad Luck, which is quickly erasing all that good fun and relaxation we just experienced. Ugh, Reality. It's a list too long to relay (you know how they say bad things happen in threes? not so much over here....more like sevens) but includes fun things like: an ant infestation in our apartment, and our car being towed over the weekend -- that is, after it was flooded and damaged by a water main break on the street where it was parked, and -- well...much more. Sigh...I keep crying uncle but the bad stuff keeps coming! Thankfully all the really important stuff is okay: baby is healthy, we are healthy, we're all safe. Trying to keep that perspective in the midst of all these major annoyances.

More lovely (happy!) Florida pictures coming soon...!

More New York pics...

2011-06-02T23:26:00.000-04:00

...from out visit two weeks ago. Here's my favorite rooftop lounge at Empire Hotel which is just a few blocks down from our old apartment (sigh) and next to magical Lincoln Center. Such a fun place to gather with friends on a breezy, warm night. And the views!

Life Update.

2011-05-31T22:01:00.001-04:00

Central Park reservoir

...{I figured I would finally share some New York pics this week from our visit}...

It's been crazytown here lately, so please forgive my sporadic blogging. Graduation week wrapped up and the last of our guests have headed home. Still trying to sort out our future plans, figure out next steps, etc., etc....which sucks up a lot of energy, you know? Just feeling t-i-r-e-d lately. Not to mention it's been blazing hot here (no Spring temps for Boston -- straight from Winter to SUMMER!), which has been making me feel a bit run down and lethargic. Soon we are heading to the Florida Keys for a mini babymoon, though (hooray!), where staring into space and taking multiple naps a day is not only not frowned upon but encouraged! (hooray again!).

Harvard Grad!

2011-05-28T14:18:00.000-04:00

HUGE congratulations to my incredibly talented, wonderful Harvard Grad husband!! It was a busy week with family and festivities but so monumental and special and I couldn't be more proud!

New York, Graduation Week, etc.

2011-05-23T23:50:00.002-04:00

a bridge in Upper Manhattan, taken from the car

We are back from our weekend getaway to New York (plus a quick jaunt down to the Eastern Shore in Maryland for a friend's wedding on Saturday) and once again it was a wonderful whirlwind that has left me pooped (as I've said before: it's much less exhausting to live in New York than to visit, I think). Even though it rained part (most) of the time, it was still so lovely to reconnect with good friends and some of my old, favorite places in the city that make my heart happy.

And now we have a full week of craziness/busyness/excitement in front of us. Family is coming to town and Dan graduates this week, folks! Can you believe how quickly time has passed? I feel like we just got here, and that he just embarked on this journey of grad school, but here we are....another chapter behind us. And in front of us? Not totally sure at this point. There are some plans in the works, but nothing is for certain. We've been planning and praying and trying to make some decisions over here for quite some time, but so much is in flux that it's been hard to nail anything down. Throw into all of that a baby on the way, and what you get is a mild case of STRESS. Actually, I've been handling it pretty well over the last several weeks/months (if I do say so myself :) -- but now that school is officially done, and the baby's arrival is feeling not so surreally far away anymore, I must admit that a tad bit of stress has crept in! It will all work out, I know. It always does. Will keep you posted as things unfold!

Offline.

2011-05-17T22:40:00.000-04:00

Central Park, last year

I know I've been terrible about blogging lately, but I will be offline (again) for a bit this week b/c I am heading south to NYC! Can't wait. The weather is not looking so good (the whole East Coast is getting drenched at the moment), but I'm so looking forward to a couple of Spring days back in my city anyway. Farewell....

Magical nooks (and belly shots).

2011-05-16T23:09:00.006-04:00

secret garden

I was walking down the street today towards Harvard Square and there it was. A perfect, magical nook. Like The Secret Garden (one of my favorite books growing up, which is not surprising....I do love nooks). The pathway was covered in pink blossoms, ivy climbed the wall, flowers bloomed. It was a catch your breath moment. Too bad for me I only had my phone to capture the moment, hence the somewhat blurry, un-magical-ness of the photo. But trust me, it was beautiful.

And in other news...a new bump picture! (I've been bad about taking these). Remember 18 weeks? This was last week at 21 weeks...

...and still growing! Although there are some days, in some outfits, that I mysteriously don't look pregnant at all. It's all about how you dress the bump, I guess :) And the baby is moving and kicking like crazy lately. Yesterday I was able to see the first external movement -- every time the baby popped me one, my skin jumped up a little, like a twitch. So wild!

Lunch with a view...

2011-05-11T22:59:00.000-04:00

window seat on Newbury Street

One thing I love about Boston is the architecture....so many interesting, beautiful buildings. I especially love the nook-y tables tucked into windows in all the little restaurants and cafes along Newbury Street. So charming. Dan and I dined at such a table/cafe today, in fact, and it was perfect.

That's all. Just thought I'd share :)

The Big Dig 2011 (aka: Spring Cleaning).

2011-05-10T23:34:00.002-04:00

Last week I decided that this week was going to be Spring Cleaning Week (something I've put off for way too long, now). This might not seem like an overwhelming task for people who actually manage to keep up on clutter and cleaning on a somewhat regular basis (are there really people like that out there?), but for people like me, who are not so good at the day-to-day upkeep, it's a monster of a task. Don't worry, we're not slobs. Just your basic clutter, clutter and more clutter.

Which is why I've designated the WEEK for such a task, rather than just one day. For the sake of my brain (which becomes very overwhelmed by non-specific goals such as "clean") and my body (which is feeling pretty good lately, but still, I am lugging around some extra baggage these days) I decided to break down the cleaning into various sections, and tackle those sections in small, incremental, non-overwhelming chunks. Today, for example, after working at the coffee shop down the street most of the afternoon, I decided to baby step into Spring Cleaning Week by telling myself: okay...now I will go home, put dinner together then 1) clean the surface of the dresser in our bedroom and dust that surface, and 2) clear off the coffee table in the living room.

And I did! Small, specific steps -- much more doable than saying: okay...now I will go home and "clean" -- which will more likely mean reruns of Seinfeld and Facebooking as I sit and try to figure out where and how to start.

Of course, at this pace, Spring Cleaning Week may turn into a 2 or 3 week event, but that's okay. The goal is to actually, eventually, get it done. As long as I keep baby-stepping and setting small, specific goals (ie: tomorrow I will tackle my studio's table surfaces), AND discipline myself NOT to pile up clutter on those newly cleaned surfaces, it will all (hopefully) be clean and sparkly just in time for summer. :)

Mother's Day Weekend.

2011-05-09T23:30:00.002-04:00

blue Virginia skies on Mother's Day

Just back from a lovely (surprise!) visit to Virginia for Mother's Day. The look on my mom's face was priceless when I walked in on Saturday morning, fresh off a plane from Boston. So glad the plan/surprise was a success! Dan, sadly, had to stay behind to finish up his final papers, but I was able to get in some good quality time w/ mom (shopping, lunching, chatting...all the good stuff :) and we had a wonderful time on Sunday with family and some of their friends, brunching and enjoying the beautiful Virginia countryside at some local wineries (well, I was an observer for the winery part). Oh, and the weather was dreamy all weekend. Another fun surprise was Dan sneaking a Mother-to-be Mother's Day card into my suitcase! So surreal to open my very own Mother's Day card...melted me a little!

mother, daughter and baby bump!

Cinco de Mayo: BBQ-style

2011-05-05T22:55:00.001-04:00

Blue Ribbon in Hipstamatic

For Cinco de Mayo, Dan and I decided to buck tradition & enchiladas by instead heading to Blue Ribbon Bar-B-Q in Arlington for a dinner of pulled pork BBQ sandwiches, baked beans and slaw. Mmmm. Since we were heading to Arlington anyway and the baby loves BBQ so much (ok, it's me...since I love BBQ so much!), it was a no brainer, really. Blue Ribbon's sides are especially delish and I dig the 1950's diner vibe. We highly recommend this place if you're in the area. Happy Cinco de Mayo!

(note: I tried to take "cute" photos of us eating the BBQ goodness, but I don't think it's possible to look cute or attractive in any way, really, while eating such a meal, so I decided to spare us (and you)).

Bossypants.

2011-05-04T23:39:00.001-04:00

nothing like a good read + (decaf) coffee

I finished Year of Wonders (good read) last night and was therefore finally able to dive into Tina Fey's book today (which has been staring me down from the bookshelf for the last 2 weeks ever since it arrived from the good people at Amazon).

Be careful if you're planning to read this book: it's quite addictive! Hard to get much else done around here with her witty, charming stories beckoning me. I feel like I can relate to so many of her observations and anecdotes, strangely enough: I, too, cursed my too-big/frizzy, non-blonde hair as child in a time when stick-straight, perfectly smooth golden locks ruled the world (I really just wanted to be Olivia Newton-John, or Crissy from Three's Company). And her story about being roped into a random night-hiking trek in the mountains of Virginia by her crush during her one-sided college romance? Umm, eerily similar to that time I was convinced by my crush/one-sided romance in college that night-hiking around Great Falls (also in Virginia!) would be "fun" and "adventurous" (only to discover too late, like Tina, that I wasn't the only one invited along on the "adventure"). The things you do for stupid boys. But see?? It's like we're the same!!

Anyhoo, looking forward to more random, hilarious stories and anecdotes. In fact, I am itching to get some bedtime reading in right now, so I think it's time to go! Goodnight, all...

(random) Tuesday thoughts.

2011-05-03T23:46:00.003-04:00

more Boston blooms

~while it's strange to not be so busy anymore with rehearsals and shows and events, I have to admit: I'm digging the down time (and so is my tired body).
~w/o all that activity, I'm trying to get back into yoga again now.
~I can feel the baby moving like CRAZY lately! so surreal. not big movements -- I can't really tell what's what -- but lots of flutters and pops and shifts. Dan even felt it for the first time yesterday! still hard to believe this is happening sometimes.
~dressing my ever-growing bump has become a challenge (but is kind of fun, too :) it's like a whole new look to play with!).
~as a result of the ever-growing bump, I'm down to only a couple of options in the pants department lately so have maternity clothes on the brain. this site has tons of cute things. I'm especially digging all the stripes. And this. Pretty :)

goodnight.

Friday night...

2011-05-02T23:13:00.001-04:00

Some photos from Friday night's Big Event:

It was such a cool space to play, and such a great night overall. Artistically, and otherwise, my heart felt so full. To see all of the artwork displayed there as music and story unfolded....sigh....very cool experience. One I won't forget. Pics of artwork (hopefully) coming soon!

Boston blooms.

2011-04-27T23:35:00.001-04:00

Near Fenway Park, Boston

No time to write tonight, drowning in artwork for the show on Friday. But look! The trees are really blooming in Boston (hooray!). AND it was about 70 degrees here today. We're hitting the Big Time here, kids! Whew, finally...

Art + Music.

2011-04-25T23:37:00.000-04:00

art display at Local Collection, Boston

A very long time ago (nearly four years ago now) I created a piece of artwork that was meant to be a visual counterpart to one of the songs I'd written. At the time it was a way for me deal with some messy emotions that were churning about, but it also sparked an idea. Here's what I said about it back then:

"This *could* be the start of something....I am actually in the process of working on another collage piece that correlates to another one of my songs -- "In That Moment" ... Maybe one day I will have an entire collection of pieces that reflect each of my songs and I'll be able to take this show on the road! Who knows..."

Well, it only took four years, but that idea has finally come to fruition! I have been working hard the last few weeks on finishing up artwork to go along with a set of songs that I plan to perform this Friday night (4/29) in downtown Boston. The store where I display my art has been working with me on the idea for awhile now and I am SO excited to finally see this happen! And since many of my songs tell the story of the bumpy journey that ultimately led me to New York and the life-changing experiences that then followed, I decided to weave in some behind-the-scenes storytelling during the event, as well. I still have a lot of work to do (of course I do, being the procrastinator that I am!) but I am hopeful that it will all come together in the end. Some photos of the new work will (hopefully) be posted on here soon.

If you happen to be in the area, please stop by! Event details here. Now if I could only kick this head cold that's been stalking me since last month....preferably well before this Friday (please?).....

Happy Easter.

2011-04-23T13:34:00.002-04:00

A Portrait of Christ from Jeremy Cowart on Vimeo.

A beautiful video via Donald Miller's blog. (And as an artist, I am absolutely fascinated by his art making process -- can't stop watching it!). Happy Easter weekend, everyone.

Baby News: It's a.....

2011-04-20T23:47:00.001-04:00

BOY!!!!!!!!!

We had our big 18 week ultrasound appointment yesterday and were thrilled to see a healthy, active (very active) baby boy! Even though my gut all along said GIRL (and I've always been good at guessing other people's babies!), I am so incredibly happy to know Dan and I get to raise a little boy together. (So much for those early "maternal instincts," eh?!).

It is interesting because the night before the appointment I had at least three different dreams in which we were told the baby was a boy at our appointment. And I felt confusion and disappointment in those dreams, because I was so sure it was a girl! After waking up, I took those to dreams to heart and tried to 'mentally prepare' myself for either outcome. And then I read this blog post (on having a boy) about 15 minutes before leaving for our appointment. Think God was trying to prepare me, perhaps? :) It's not that I even *wanted* a girl more, necessarily, it was just what I felt. So when we were in that quiet, dimly lit room with the technician, watching our baby dance on the screen and she said, "Yup, it's definitely a little boy" (then pointed out the evidence), all I felt was relief and joy and excitement (after the initial "REALLY??" moment and mental readjustment, that is). I'm not sure why I felt relief....maybe I *did* really want a boy after all?! Or perhaps it was finally knowing who this little person inside of me was...a HIM, not an IT! And you know? It feels right. It just made sense when she said boy...of course it's a boy! It is what was always meant to be :)

We had a few minutes alone with our baby up on the screen while the technician went to print out her report and that's when it really hit me. Images flashed in my mind of our future: of a little boy who looks like Dan, with those big, kind eyes (be still my heart!) running around and getting dirty at the park, playing with toy cars, building forts, etc., and my heart just melted.

All this to say: I am so, so happy :) Above all else, I thank God for a healthy baby so far and for a chance to witness such a miracle yesterday.

More fun shots from the day:

on our way to the hospital to find out (I was so nervous!)

there he is! (it looks like he's smiling, I think)

belly shot! I feel like I look super-pregnant in that close-up, profile shot.

I think that outfit accentuated the bump :)

celebrating that night w/ dinner and a concert...perfect ending to a perfect day

(even w/ the crappy weather!)

Snapshots from Ragtime.

2011-04-18T23:38:00.000-04:00

Vaudeville dancer! (one of my many ensemble roles)

& another one: Jewish immigrant!

on stage (photo credit: Howard I. Cannon)

group shot

Dan & I post-show

(and my much-perfected "Gibson Girl" hair-do)

So the show wrapped up this past weekend and I am left with those familiar post-show blues. It is always a letdown to see an intense experience (one that has filled up so many minutes and months of your life) end. You live and breathe this music, these people, this story, and then poof.....gone. As hard as it is to see a good thing end, I now have so many lovely, cherished memories of this wonderful experience. It was a bright spot for me during this bleak, sometimes difficult winter, and helped immensely in connecting me more to this place.

Plus it was just fun to do it all again, see the process of putting up a show unfold...I only had the one show under my belt prior to this, and it confirmed my interest and love for theater, which is a whole different animal than my usual singer-songwriter gig. It will have to be put on hold for now, but I look forward to diving back into it all sometime down the road. And in the meantime, time to catch up on rest & baby-planning!

I want to read this...

2011-04-13T23:09:00.000-04:00

Tina Fey's new memoir

So looking forward to getting my hands on this book. I would have bought it based on the cover alone (and the fact that I love a good memoir), but now all the buzz has really peaked my interest. Maybe once the craziness of life settles down a bit, I'll have time to read again. And blog. Won't that be fun?

Colors of Spring (Hipstamatic-style).

2011-04-08T01:14:00.000-04:00

buds & blooms!

Work and random errands brought me into Boston from Cambridge today, which was a real treat. The sun was shining, it was in the 50's (balmy!) and there were *actually* splashes of color here and there, which I haven't seen much of yet around these parts. It made me happy.

And in other random news: guess who seemed to pop overnight?! Me (and my belly), that's who. It literally seemed to come out of nowhere! It may be time to retire my jeans soon.

And (also randomly) a great article came out today in the Boston Globe about our show.....the Boston Globe! That's the Big Time! You can read that here.

That's all for now. Goodnight and Happy Weekend-ing (b/c I won't be on here after tomorrow's show, I am sure)!

Happy News!

2011-04-06T00:09:00.001-04:00

Remember how yesterday I mentioned that there was *much* more to say, but I thought I'd save it? That's because it's SUCH BIG NEWS that it needs it's own post! Drumroll, please..........it's with a very happy heart and great excitement that I announce that.........Dan and I are expecting our first baby!! (it still feels so unbelievable to type out those words!).

I am about four months along and it feels *so* good to finally share this happy news on here. My belly has just started to pop ever so slightly, making this all feel much more real lately. We heard the heartbeat (loud and strong!) last Friday at our 16 week doctor's visit and are eagerly awaiting our next appointment on the 19th when we'll find out whether this little one is a boy or girl!

The last few months have been a struggle, for sure, in coping with the extreme tiredness and nausea (that explains why I've been a bit blah on the ol' blog), especially with the rough and long winter we've had. BUT...spring is coming (despite the endless chilly temps) and I am officially in the "Glory Days" of 2nd trimester! Feeling pretty good these days, although the show this past week was certainly a challenge to my stamina. I've been trying to catch up on sleep and rest as much as I can during this crazy Ragtime season, but I have to say: it's been kind of neat dancing and singing on a great big stage alongside so many talented people with this little one along for the ride :) Will make a great story for him/her later, I think :)

a Monday list.

2011-04-04T23:12:00.001-04:00

snapshot of newbury street, boston

So many things to say, I don't know where to start...

~It feels so good to be sitting on my sofa right now in comfy clothes as opposed to in a theater in big hair, high heels and full make-up.

~I am e-x-h-a-u-s-t-e-d from the last 7 straight days of shows (dress rehearsals + opening weekend).

~Exhausted, yes, but so so happy with the show and the way things have been going. Opening night was a success, we had friends and my dad in town to celebrate, and it felt so good to finally show the world all of our hard work from the last four (4!) months.

~A few reviews are out and so far, so good! Go here.

~Next weekend the moms come to town and the weekend after that more friends! I like having visitors :)

~Much, much more to say but I'll think I will save it for later posts this week....time for bed (YAY, sleep).

Still here.

2011-03-30T00:12:00.002-04:00

Though I have nothing of substance to say and it's midnight and I've just gotten home from rehearsal and am currently eating a bowl of cereal and calling it "dinner" -- I figured it was about time I post again anyway. If only to say: I'm still here! And still alive (barely).

It has definitely been a whirlwind, as opening weeks for shows usually are. I am also battling a killer head cold on top of it all which has made life a little extra fuzzy around the edges. So I think I will go now (see? substance-free!), but not without a quick plug! Ragtime opens in 2 days, people! Tickets for Friday and Saturday's shows currently half off here. Ok, goodnight.

(small)signs of spring.

2011-03-23T23:29:00.003-04:00

fleurs!

Despite the frigid temps and more snow (noooo!) in the forecast, glimpses of these little guys around town give me *hope* for Spring...and good things to come like warmish breezes and t-shirts and non-furry-boot-like footwear.

p.s.: last year at this time we lived in New York and the weather was so nice that I could frolic around Riverside Park in a sundress and sunglasses with a cold Starbucks beverage in hand. sigh...(okay so it was kind of a fluke for March & lasted only a brief moment, but still...those were the days!).

Ragtime.

2011-03-22T23:41:00.001-04:00

This is what I am about to live & breathe. Just a heads up, because I might not be around much. We open in less than two weeks, people! And here is where you can buy tickets in case you live in the area and/or want to visit Boston (me) in the next few weeks!

Santa Fe Recap.

2011-03-21T23:30:00.000-04:00

A little sampling from our time out west. These pictures don't do it justice, but it was b-e-a-u-t-i-f-u-l. Every single day. Warm temps, sunshine, blue skies. Every day! There was hiking around an ancestral pueblo site, snow shoeing up in the mountains, shopping, yummy dinners out on Canyon Road, movie-watching, etc. Oh & the sun (have I mentioned the SUN!?) I didn't realize how much I needed warmth and sunshine until I was able to soak it in for a week straight...

...aaand now we're back to lovely New England "spring" weather (30's + snow. yes snow. ughhhh). But I don't want to talk about that. Look at this!

Santa Fe sunset

Heading west....

2011-03-10T23:47:00.000-05:00

me & dan, santa fe 2009

taos, nm, 2008

Heading out tomorrow (Lord willing & no travel issues!) to beautiful, sunny Santa Fe for some quality R&R time with my dad. Can't wait to breathe in that fresh air and take in those mountain views.....YAY for vacation! May be on here sporadically next week....or maybe not :) We'll see.....have a great weekend/week!

Spring hopes.

2011-03-08T23:16:00.001-05:00

on the boston t

The weather improved *just enough* today to make me remember what Spring feels like. Barely. Not that it was Spring-like, really, but the slight warmth of the sun when it peaked out from behind the clouds...wind that felt more like a breeze, rather than bone-chilling, tear-inducing gusts...it did help a smidge.

Ah, Spring...I am so ready for you (though I'm no fool -- March in Boston? It's going to be awhile, I know).

Blogging thoughts.

2011-03-07T23:13:00.001-05:00

Widener Library door

Remember when I set out to take a photo-a-day of magical New York during the Christmas season (2007 and 2009)? Then in 2010 I decided to make it a New Year's resolution and post a New York photo everyday, Monday-Friday, in order to challenge myself to pay closer attention to my city-surroundings (and also to blog more regularly).

And it's continued, for the most part, into 2011 and Boston. I had high hopes for this project in my new city, hoping it would motivate me to venture out and see more, experience new things, etc. Well, it's time to admit defeat. I honestly just don't get out as much as I did in New York (working from home is part of that)(as are the tundra-like temps)(and the fact that (I feel) there isn't as much to see/take photos of here)(no offense, Boston/Cambridge)). Most days, my little world is confined to the apartment or Harvard Square (which is small, small, small compared to New York City!) or driving to rehearsal/errands/etc., (and the highway views from my Volkswagen are not always so photo-worthy). So, all that to say, I'm scraping the bottom of the iphoto barrel these days, struggling to come up with new "material" for the ol' blog.

Now, I'm not writing all this because I plan to stop blogging or posting pics daily....I'd still very much like to strive to keep that goal. But it's all to say that I may not be focusing so much on daily city pics, specifically, and I may skip a day here and there, depending on whether there is anything to talk about. I don't want to become a "what I had for breakfast" blog, so this is all in effort to avoid that. I feel that my words and thoughts are sometimes (more & more lately) lacking a bit, and I think that's partly to do with always feeling like I don't have anything to say, despite my commitment to 'say something' every day!

With that said, I'll probably see you back here tomorrow, anyway :) Goodnight, and thanks for listening (reading).

Quiet.

2011-03-03T22:43:00.000-05:00

Harvard Square church

Feeling quiet tonight. No words to share. 'Night :)

Bagel Stealer.

2011-03-02T22:41:00.001-05:00

caught in the act! Dan stealing my bagel sandwich

at Finagle-A-Bagel in Back Bay

I'm all about bagels lately. mmm...

Good Things on a Tuesday.

2011-03-01T23:33:00.001-05:00

Harvard Square

1. sunshine (it really helps around these parts)

2. a productive work day

3. a good rehearsal (the show is really starting to shape up)

4. American Idol (always a sucker for that show. early favorites: Ben, Jacob and Casey)

5. a sick husband (not good) who's feeling a smidge better now (v. good)

Happy Monday.

2011-02-28T23:55:00.000-05:00

downtown Boston, last month

Happy Monday (and happy last day of February! Hooray -- we're one step closer to Spring!). Not many words tonight. It was gray and rainy day, but a nice, full day nonetheless, ending with a showing a one of my favorite films over at the Harvard Kennedy School, Amazing Grace. Powerful and inspirational...makes you think about how one person can change the world.

Tonight...

2011-02-25T23:55:00.000-05:00

the band

...tonight we saw the Beatles. And they. were. A-mazing. Highly recommend this show if they're coming your way.

Central Park.

2011-02-24T23:46:00.005-05:00

Central Park trees

A perfect evening stroll through Central Park...

New York Views.

2011-02-23T23:34:00.001-05:00

upper west side

Have I mentioned that my oldest and dearest friend in the world now lives in New York with her husband? No? Probably because it pains my heart a little that they moved in right as we were moving out. And that they now, in fact, live just a short distance from where we used to live. AND that it would be pretty dang fantastic and dreamy to be neighbors again like we were when we were kids and lived two houses apart and did everything (everything) together. Sigh. We stayed in their super cute Upper West Side apartment during this visit and had so much fun. Not to mention the views. It was pretty great to wake up to this each morning:

(it snowed!)

New York recap.

2011-02-22T23:30:00.000-05:00

lower east side building

So...a little recap of New York. There was:
~the gig
~hanging in the Village with friends
~a friend's show
~yummy brunches
~some Upper West Side wandering
~Levain cookies (best cookies in the world)
~a late night game of Cranium
~church
~Central Park walking
~lots of visiting/laughing/fun

Despite the busyness and my (still) tiredness, it was such a fun and lovely trip. I *do* love that city.

(more NYC pics to come this week...)

Back.

2011-02-21T23:31:00.000-05:00

Caffe Vivaldi gig, NYC

Back from a packed, tiring, wonderful weekend away in New York. The gig on Friday was a success (so good to be back at Vivaldi playing again) and the rest of the weekend brought lots of fun moments with friends. Exhausted now and off to bed. More tomorrow!

Heading to the Big Apple...

2011-02-18T00:01:00.000-05:00

midtown manhattan, summer 2010

Excited/happy/thrilled to report that tomorrow I'm heading to New York for a weekend of fun with friends and a show! If you happen to be in the city, feel free to stop by Caffe Vivaldi at 8pm tomorrow for a night of original, acoustic music (mine, that is :). Probably won't be back on here until Monday, so have a great weekend!

Lecture.

2011-02-16T23:12:00.001-05:00

Charlestown, MA

It was another incredible day of class with a special guest lecturer. I am feeling *exceptionally* blessed to be able to sit in on these classes, which are some of the most intriguing and interesting lectures I've ever heard. Today, while the focus was still on leadership since that is the theme of the course, there was also a heavy emphasis on finding your passion...dedicating your work and time and life to something worthy, something of value, something that moves you. It certainly moved me and made me think a lot...still feeling ponderous this evening.

Happy (day-after) Valentine's Day!

2011-02-15T13:48:00.001-05:00

rose petals served with dinner at Tangierino

Hope it was a lovely one for you! This was our first Valentine's Day together *not* spent in Santa Fe, NM with family. But all in all, our Boston-style V-Day was quite lovely. Firstly, the weather decided to cut us a break with some beautiful, 50 degree temps and sunshine. Bliss. Then, after a full and busy day of classes and errand-running, we headed out for dinner at a beautiful restaurant in Charlestown* that absolutely dripped romance, complete with scattered rose petals, red walls, low-lighting and yummy Moroccan food (Dan's pick :). A wonderful evening.

*Charlestown is a great little neighborhood of Boston with charming, historic row houses lining quaint gas-lit streets.

Happy weekend-ing.

2011-02-12T13:58:00.000-05:00

I've been really bad about posting on Fridays lately....we usually end up going out, getting home late, then I forget all about it!

Here are a few pics from the store yesterday (of my display). It was a good experience, overall, though I saw first-hand how the cold weather is affecting foot traffic. So, yes, a bit discouraging at times, but the silver lining was getting to work in a new environment and interacting with the few customers that did make it in.

Local Collection, Boston

Enjoy the weekend!

Happy Thursday.

2011-02-10T23:13:00.001-05:00

church in South End, Boston

Not much to say on this blustery Thursday night. Worked from home, too cold to venture far. Had a good rehearsal. Now putting the finishing touches on my heart boxes for tomorrow's event. (just a lil' reminder: if you're in the Boston area tomorrow, you should stop by Local Collection in Faneuil Hall between 12-3 for a behind-the-scenes look at my art-making process and a 15% reduction on all City Girl Designs inventory). :)